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Sunday, November 30, 2008

Bitter gourd helps in maintaining the blood sugar levels and helps the body function normally. It is bitter in taste and thus goes its name. It is a well known home remedy for diabetes Mellitus. It is used to treat disorders like piles, skin disorders, alcoholism, cholera etc., The fresh juice of Karela is effective in treating the earlier stages of cholera and types of diarrhoea.This is my usual way of preparing curry with bittergourd, usually i add prawns to make them more tasty else its too hard for my picky eaters...

Heat oil in a kadai, add the mustard seeds n urad dal n let them splutters..add the chopped onion n chopped tomatoes, cury leaves n stir them until they get cooked..add the washed prawns to them n fry until they change the colour, add the bittergourd pieces to them also add the redchilly powder, coriander powder n salt...toss everything well, i wont add water, usually i cook them in simmer with lid closed...cook until they get well cooked n put off the stove until the oil get separates...

Waohhhh!!!!! Today is the last day for the recipe marathon...we gonna finish today the recipe marathon...we were 24 to run along for the event. Last day we gals were planning to prepare some sweet treat to end up the RM...DK proposed us to prepare any sweets with nuts n saffron.. i choosed almond n prepared almond burfi with saffron..they turned out awesome n delicious..here comes my simple badam saffron burfi..

1cup Almonds1cup Sugar1/2cup Milkfew Saffron strands2tbsp Ghee

Soak overnite the almonds...remove the skins n grind the almonds pieces with milk into bit coarse paste...Take a heavy bottomed non stick pan, add the grounded paste n sugar also saffron strands...stir them continously until the almond paste get off from the bottom of the pan..add the ghee n stir again for a while..for me it took half an hour to get the correct consistency..

Arrange a wax paper n spread the burfi..let them cool..cut them as any shape as ur desire...arrange them in a air tightened box..can keep them in room temperature for three days...can also conserve them in fridge, just microwave before serving..

Hope this is my last entry for the Rice Mela by Srivalli...this is one of the simple n easy version , also a lunch box menu , my mom used to prepare when we r kid, i love this masala rice n continuing still to prepare, as its one of my favourite...

Add the cauliflower florets to the kadai, add enough salt n red chilly powder n close them with a lid, cook them in simmer until the oil get separates..now add the already cooked rice to the masala n toss gently until they get well mixed...

We are almost nearly the last day with Recipe Marathon...its has been really very exciting n fun to run along with 24 co-runners...Here comes a simple n quite healthy version of pancake..Dee of Daily tiffins announced an event with low sugar sweet treats...i used honey in this pancake , thought this pancake may suit very well to the event...

Friday, November 28, 2008

Red cabbage r more healthy n rich in antioxydant than green cabbages..Keeping it in the refrigerator once bought, will help it retain its vitamin C content. Keep the cabbage whole in a plastic wrap / bag in the vegetable section of your refrigerator. If you do need to store a section of the cabbage, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. You should use it in couple of days though. To get best benefits slice or chop the cabbage and let sit for 5-10 minutes before cooking. Cook gently, steaming or sautéing for 5 minutes or less.The anthocyanins in red cabbage can actually protect the brain cells from damage in conditions like Alzheimer’s disease.

I already prepared salad with red cabbage, i prepared stir fry with redcabbage too..but as i have picky eaters at home, i prepared redcabbage with rice just to insert this awesome veggie n also tossed them with paruppu podi... they turned out really delicious...

Simple n quick fried rice with grated carrot n paneer...this fried rice is completely very easy to prepare with easy ingredients.. can feed easily kids if they r picky eaters with this fried rice, some kids will like to eat anything with cheese as this fried rice have paneer cubes, it will turn a real big hit among kids for the sure..also can prepare very quickly even u have sudden guests r also for potluck..colourful, cheesy rice can be served simply with potato chips r with papads...

Heat the oil in a kadai..add the whole spices n fry until they turns brown..add the chopped onion to the hot oil n stir it until they turns transculent..add the grated carrots,curry leaves, slit opened green chillies n paneer cubes to the kadai, stir everything for a while, add all the spice powder with enough salt, close the kadai with lid n let them cook for a while...

After few minutes, add the already cooked basmati rice to the kadai n toss them gently until they get well mixed..serve them with papads, chips r else with any spicy gravies...

Thursday, November 27, 2008

Black-eyed beans have a smooth texture, pealike flavour and are good when mixed with other vegetables.Like most beans, black-eyed beans are rich in the best sort of fiber - soluble fiber - which helps to eliminate cholesterol from the body. They are a good source of folate, potassium, copper, phosphorous and manganese. As a high-potassium, low-sodium food they help reduce blood pressure. Not only are they low in fat, but when combined with grains, beans supply high quality protein which provides a healthy alternative to meat or other animal protein. Beans also contain protease inhibitors which frustrate the development of cancerous cells. Adding carrot to this protein packed beans makes more healthy n delicious, they ressembles quite tasty as channadal masala vadais..i prepared this crispy vadais for evening snacks..they turned out yummy..

Grind bit coarsely the soaked black eyed beans, take off from the mixie... add the chopped onion pieces, grated carrots,curry leaves,coriander leaves to the grounded batter..chop finely ginger as small pieces, crush the garlic pods, also cut green chillies as small pieces ..add everything with enough salt again to the grounded batter..

Mix everything well with ur hands,heat the oil for deep frying... make small balls from the vada batter n flatten them as vadais...drop slowly one by one to the hot oil, fry them as small batches..fry until they turn brown n crispy..drain the excess of oil in a paper towel..

Needless to say how healthy tomatoes r...they r great source of vitamins like A, C, K , fibres, potassium, iron etc...Though techincally tomato a fruit, they r used as vegetable for cooking...can list out a long list of health n nutritional benefits of eating tomatoes,The presence of antioxidants in tomatoes is said to be helpful in cleansing the body, of toxic compounds. Lycopene, present in tomatoes, has been known to neutralize free radicals and cut the risk of prostate cancer. Those who eat raw tomatoes have been found to have much less risk of developing rectal, colon or stomach cancer. It is believed that tomatoes block the effects of nitrosamines and thus, reduce the risk of lung cancer. Researches have suggested that eating tomatoes might help reduce the risk of heart attack. The vitamin K present in tomatoes helps in keeping the bones strong and healthy. Having everyday tomatoes keep us away from constipation, diabetes, jaundice, liver disorders, morning sickness, obesity n urinary tract infections...Coming to my spicy pulao, its one of the easiest way to prepare something special for sunday also if u have sudden guest at home..can serve them with any sort of spicy gravies..

Grind everything as finepaste with enough water from the list 'To grind'..keep aside...grind bit coarsely the tomato pieces...Heat enough oil+ghee in a heavy bottomed vessel, add the whole spices n let them fry..add the onion pieces, green chillies, ginger paste, garlic paste n stir them well until the onions turned transculent n also the raw smells goes away, now add both grounded paste, red chilly powder n let them cook in simmer for a while until the oil gets separates...

Now add the coconut milk, chopped mint leaves with enough salt n bring them to boil..meanwhile wash thoroughly the basmati rice with enough water, drain well the excess of water...add this washed rice to the boiling spiced coconut milk n cook them in medium hight flame for few minutes n finish them in simmer, finally add the chopped coriander leaves n put off the stove..

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Peanutbutter am using for the first time for making some cookies...i never tried anything with peanut butter..this time i was curious to taste those famous peanut butter n bought them just to give a try..using peanut butter i tried this vegan cookies with oatmeal n chocolate chips as i have picky eaters at home...adding oatmeal n chocolate chips with the peanut butter, really masked the peanut flavour a bit, everyone liked them much n these awesome n crunchy cookies vanished within few hours...i used apple sauce n canola oil for the vegan version of this cookies...

Avocado is a pear shape with dark green or blackish skin with a large seed. It is a fruit belonging to the genus Persea in the Lauraceae family. Avocado is often on the hate-list of those people who want to lose weight, but avocado should be every woman's best friend. They are rich in vitamin E which is said to be a beauty vitamin because it is valuable for healthy skin and the prevention of wrinkles. Avocadoes also supply a considerable amount of potassium and large quantities of the extremely healthy monounsaturated fats. These especially the oleic acid and the other nutrients avocado contain that make them one of the most powerful antioxidant foods. Pureed avocado is good for invalids, sick children and those people who are recovering from operation as its easily digestible and contains some antibacterial and antifungal chemicals. Health Benefits of the avocoda r really a big list...It is a good antioxidant.It can be used in the treatment of skin disorders.It is used to heal people who suffer from digestive and circulatory problems.Oleic acid in avocado can be used to lower cholesterol level in the blood.Potassium in avocado regulates pressure of blood.Sodium reduces the risk of high blood pressure and stoke.It improves the ability of the body to absorb carotenoids. I have already prepared eggless brioche, this is my another brioche without egg n butter...This recipe is adapted from Vaishali's Avocado Brioche, i did slight changes,but not definitely the whole recipe..

Take a large bowl add the all purpose flour, pureed silken tofu n avocado puree, 1/4cup sugar..now add the foamy yeast to the bowl..start kneading..first the dough will be extremely sticky, knead about 15 minutes, grease ur hand with oil if they r sticky...turn them as smooth dough n elastic, wont be sticky...take another bowl, brush the bowl with enough oil n transfer the dough to it..keep the bowl in a warm place for 1 hour...

Punch the dough n divide them as per ur need..as i dont have brioche mould..i turned them as small balls n just placed them side by side n made them as a flower with 4 petals.. grease the mould with oil before playing the dough..let them stand for 1 more hour in a warm place, they will again double their volume..

Preheat the oven at 350F..brush the remaining oil over the dough n bake them for about 30 minutes..Let them cool for few minutes...serve them with any choice of spreads r can have them simply...

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Olaiappam , sweet appam an authentic breakfast in TamilNadu...its a steamed version of appam..can be a snack also..Learned from my Mom, this is one of the traditional breakfast..this recipe was passed by my grandmom to my mother n from my mother to me...preparation of this idli ressembles as much as tamilian's daily breakfast idli, but we need to add sugar r else jaggery as by our preference.. lets go for the recipe..On the way to Rice & wheat sweets/Diabetic friendly sweets by Mythreyee of Paajaka..

Soak both rice n urad dal with fenugreek seeds separately atleast for 5 hrs.. drain it and grind the rice coarsely n urad dal to soft..mix both to form the thick batter(batter must be thick coz while steaming, we will add sugar so that batter may become watery, if its not thicker it might be very hard to steam cook them). Let the batter to ferment n double their volume else preheat ur oven to 350 F n put off, keep the batter in the oven for 6 hours.

Roast the moong dal until they turns brown. Add the cardamon powder (optional) , sugar to the batter n mix them well, now batter will be like Idli batter..Grease the idli plates n fill them with the batter, springle the moong dal n the grated coconut over them. Steam cook as idlies for 10 minutes, once done remove them from the plates.

Olaiappam is done..can eat without any side r else with chutney..olaiappams can be stored in fridge for 2 days, heat them in microwave before serves..

I have already prepared carrot kheer with almond n sago...they turned really delicious, now comes my another culinary experiments with carrot n poha (aval) as kheer...Needless to say how delicious they r!!!..its quite simple n colourful as well as healthy as we r adding carrot puree to prepare this kheer...

Bring boil both milk +sugar n milk maid...meanwhile dry roast the poha in a warm kadai...keep aside..add the carrot puree to th boiled milk, can add water if needed n bring again to boil, put the flame in simmer n cook them for few minutes..its time to add the roasted poha, keep the flame in medium high, cook until the poha gets cooked..fry the cashew pieces with the ghee, add them to the kheer...add the cardamom powder to the kheer n stir them well before switch off the stove...

Monday, November 24, 2008

Prawns r good source of Omega 3 fatty acids, they r also excellent source of protein...having prawns is one of the greatest way to get iron, zinc n vitamin E...they r low in saturated fats...I love prawns, this briyani is one of the simplest way of preparing prawns with rice...adding prawns to any veggies r with rice, makes them more tasty..here comes my simple way of preparing prawn briyani..

Marinate the prawns with red chilli powder, garam masala powder, salt n also with half a cup of yoghurt for half an hour...Heat ghee n oil in a heavy bottomed vessel... add the whole spices to the hot oil n ghee n let them fry...now add the chopped lengthwise onions n finely chopped tomato pieces with slight opened green chillies..stir them until they get bit cooked, add the ginger garlic paste n fry them until the raw smells goes away...

Now add the marinated prawns to the vessel...heat 2tsp of ghee separately in a pan, dry fry the washed basmati rice for few minutes...mix now both coconut milk, remaining yoghurt n make them as 3+half cup by adding some more water...pour this coconut milk -yoghurt to the cooking spiced prawns...add the chopped mint leaves also...bring everything to boil..

Add the already fried basmati rice to the gravy..cook them well in medium high flame until the gravy gets absorbed by the rice...garnish them with few mint leaves...

Cherries calfoutis is well known as Calfoutis aux cerises in french...this is one of the famous dessert prepared with cerises here...almost everyone know this delicious cerise dessert prepared with milk, egg n flour..for a change is used corn flour instead of all purpose flour n used cerise jam for the colour...they turned out awesome, here is the recipe...

Sunday, November 23, 2008

Cabbage is anti – inflammatory vegetable Cabbage contains lactic acid that acts to disinfect colon...Cabbage can also be used to reduce headache pain...Another benefit of cabbage is in it's anti –cancer properties and is also said to be able in treating other skin conditions... Drinking cabbage juice from the stem is a good remedy for ulcers. Drink fresh cabbage juice if you suffer from gastritis... This is another benefit of cabbage. Drink 25 – 50 ml cabbage juice everyday to treat headache, asthma, bronchitis and other digestion problems.. White cabbage juice dabbed on mouth ulcers will make the healing faster.Don’t buy halved or quartered heads of cabbage even if it’s well wrapped. As soon as the leaves are cut, cabbage will loose it’s vitamin C...Wash cabbage only when you are ready to use it... Look for solid, heavy heads of cabbage, with no more than 3 – 4 loose outer leaves. Here comes one of my easy salad...

Chocolate is one of the most popular sweet-tasting treats in the world and has been for centuries. Cacao, the source of chocolate, contains antibacterial agents that fight tooth decay. Of course this is counteracted by the high sugar content of milk chocolate.The smell of chocolate may increase theta brain waves, resulting in relaxation. Chocolate contains phenyl ethylamine, a mild mood elevator.The cocoa butter in chocolate contains oleic acid, a mono-unsaturated fat which may raise good cholesterol. Drinking a cup of hot chocolate before meals may actually diminish appetite. Men who eat chocolate live a year longer than those who don't.The flavanoids in chocolate may help keep blood vessels elastic.Chocolate increases antioxidant levels in the blood.Mexican healers use chocolate to treat bronchitis and insect bites.The carbohydrates in chocolate raise serotonin levels in the brain, resulting in a sense of well-being. Chocolates also have good n bad sources for ur health..anyway consume them with moderation..

Whisk well butter, eggs n sugar until soft n fluffy...meanwhile mix all the dry ingredients like flour, cacao, baking powder together, add the ricotta cheese n salt to the egg-sugar mixture...preheat the oven at 350F....beat everything well, now add the dry ingredients together, at this stage the cake batter will be to thick, add the cup of milk n turn the batter watery..

Pour the batter in a cake mould n bake them for 30 minutes in middle rack..if they r done, keep aside n let them cool..

Warm the cream, add the chocolate chips n gelatin powder n mix everything well...once the chocolate n gelatin get well mixed, pour them over the already baked chocolate cake...keep them in fridge for about 2hours r until the ganache gets well settled...decorate the cake as per ur wish...

Saturday, November 22, 2008

Cauliflower contains vitamin C and folate. Folate helps the blood work more efficiently and is often recommended for preventing anemia. Folate is also essential for proper tissue growth and not getting enough can make you succeptible to many diseases down the road such as cancer and heart disease. Vitamin C is considered an antioxident. When used alongside other antioxidents such as vitamin E and betacarotene, you can keep your immune system strong. Three florets of cauliflower a day will provide you with 67% of your daily vitamin C requirement. When purchasing cauliflower, make sure the tops are white. If the floret has begun to spot brown or puple, it is past its nutritional peak. Serving the cauliflower raw will give you the highest nutritional benefits, however, if you must cook it, lightly steamedwill also keep its cancer-fighting components intact. Here comes my simple way of preparing cauliflower masala with simple ingredients, usually i add green peas n prawns, as i was out of stock i simply prepared this masala...

Heat enough oil in a kadai, add the whole spices n let them turn brown, let add the chopped onion, curry leaves n chopped tomatoes n stir them until they get cooked, meanwhile grind the fennel seed n garlic pods into bit coarse paste...add this grounded paste to the already cooked onion n tomato mixture...let them cook for a while until the oil get separates, now its time to add the cauliflower floret to the kadai, turn them for a while, add the red chilli powder, garam masala powder n salt, cook them in simmer..

Usually i dont add water, as cauliflower florets will get easily cooked, put the flame in simmer n close the lid, check occasionally n stir them until they get well cooked...if u need to be a bit gravy add some water, i prepared them as dry masala...can also add grated coconut while grinding fennelseeds n garlic pods...

Serve them hot as side for any rice dishes r simply with parathas n chappathis...

Rava Carrot Bonda, an easy, quick n tasty snacks for evening time, goes prefect with coconut chutney r else with hot coffee r tea..grated carrots will give them an awesome colour..need less time to prepare with simple ingredients...

1 1/2cup Roasted Rava

1/2cup Idli batter

1 no Onion finely chopped

3 nos Green chillies finely chopped

1/2cup Carrot grated

1/4tsp Baking soda

6 nos Curry leaves

3 tbsp Coriander leaves chopped

Salt as per need

Oil for deep frying

Take a large bowl,mix roasted rava,idli batter,salt n keep them aside for 1 hour..rava will absorb the water from idli batter n will be thick..add the finely chopped onions,baking soda, chopped green chillies, grated carrot pieces to the rava mixture n chop finely the curry leaves n cilantro leaves n add them too...batter consistency should be like as shown in picture, if its too watery add a bit rava, if its hard, add r sprinkle some water to the batter..

Heat oil in a kadai...make small balls from the bonda batter n fry them until they turns golden brownish..fry them in batches..dont over crowd..

Friday, November 21, 2008

French beans are neutral in nature and can be consumed frequently. French beans make great soups and are highly nutritious. Do not eat French beans raw, as they contain red blood cell coagulant that causes food poisoning.French Beans - Containing protein, fat, calcium, phosphorus, vitamins A, B, D and starch. French beans also contain much iron, which aid blood cells production. Vitamin B in them benefits the Qi (vital energy), the spleen and kidneys...before using the french beans wash them under running water. Remove both ends of the beans by either snapping them off or cutting them with a knife. French beans r known as Haricots verts in french...

This stir fry is kinda quick, easy, healthy as well as tasty...Moongdal r really healthy, they r rich in fibres, good for diabetic peoples, aged peoples..instead of adding urad dal n channadal , its better to add moongdal while preparing vegetable stir fry...

Heat oil in a kadai, add the mustard seeds, urad dal n dry red chillies, let them crack, meanwhile soak the moongdal in hot water, add the chopped onion pieces to the hot oil n stir them until they turns transculents..now u need to add the slit opened green chillies n curry leaves...cook for a while..add the chopped french beans, soaked moongdal with enough salt to the kadai...stir them occasionally, add a half cup of water, close the kadai with lid n cook them until the water get evaporates r until the veggies get well cooked, add the grated coconut n put off the stove...

Brioche, one of the famous highly enriched French bread, whose high egg and butter content give it what is seen as a rich and tender crumb. It has a dark, golden, and flaky crust from an egg wash applied before and after proofing.My version of brioche is quite with butter n with silken tofu...for my surprise they turned out awesome...i have already prepared them with eggs before blogging, but after start blogging i learned more about egg replacements like silken tofu, flax seeds, so am trying nowadays mostly my bakes as eggless version...

Add the 1tsp of sugar, salt n yeast to the luke warm milk in a large bowl, let them stand until foamy...whisk the silken tofu into the milk-yeast mixture n set aside...In a large bowl, add the flour, remaining sugar n butter, now add the tofu-milk-yeast mixture n mix everything well with wooden spatula...knead them slowly until the dough turns smooth...

Transfer the kneaded dough to a large buttered bowl...cover the bowl with lid r plastic wrap n arrange them in a warm place until they double their size r for about 1hour... punch the dough down...divide them into 3 pieces, roll them well with ur palm of your hand n form as smooth ball..

Roll each ball as thin ropes..braid the ropes together, press the dough together to the ends...as i dont have brioche mould, i just turn aroung themselves to make sightly like flower shape brioche..if u r having brioche mould , go ahead with them...

Place the braided brioche loaf on a greased baking sheet, brush them simply with melted butter....Bake them at 350F for 25-30 minutes..Let them cool for 10 minutes before serving..Brioches are best when eaten straight from the oven..

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Sprouts are very nutritious because they contain all elements a plant needs for life and growth. The endosperm of the seed is the storehouse of carbohydrates, protein, and oil. When the seed germinates, these become predigested amino acids and natural sugars upon which the plant embryo feeds as it grows to maturity. When used as food, the life force is released and supplies the energy which is capable of generating healthy cells in the body and supplying us with new vigor and life. Used as an adjunct to the diet, sprouts can retard the aging process, since they contain ample amounts of male and female hormones, available in their most assimilable form. Processed foods often lack the vitamins and minerals necessary to a balanced diet. Research shows that, in sprouts, one finds one of the foods highest in vitamin and mineral content. Sprouts should, therefore, occupy a prominent place in the diet. This is one of my simple way of preparing gravy with sprouted lentils...

Grind the coconut with fennel seed with half a cup of water...heat oil in a kadai, add the bay eaves, cinnmon sticks n cloves n fry them until brown, add the chopped onion, chopped tomatoes n curry leaves, once the onion turns transculent, add the sprouted lentils, chilli powder, coriander powder n salt..fry them for few minutes until they raw smell of the powders disappears..

Now add the coconut-fennel seed paste..add enough water , let them cook for a while r until the sprouts get well cooked..

A large consumption of tomato can help improve skin texture and color. Tomato is a good blood purifier. Tomato helps in cases of congestion of the liver (protects the liver from cirrhosis) as well as for dissolving gallstones. Tomato is a natural antiseptic therefore it can help protect against infectionNicotinic acid in tomatoes can help to reduce blood cholesterol, thus helps prevent heart diseases. Vitamin K in tomatoes helps to prevent hemorrhages. Tomato contain lycopene (the red pigment in tomato), this pigment is a powerful antioxidant that can also fight cancer cells...This tomato thokku can be handy , they can be served as side dish for idlies, dosais...if u r bored of preparing any gravy for rice, just prepare this thokku, mix them with rice, ur tomato thokku rice is ready, can serve them with eggs, papads r simply with potato curry...

Grind all the ingredients from the list to grind as fine paste with enough water... Chop finely the onions n tomatoes n slit open the green chillies...

Heat oil in a pan add the cumin seeds n let them splutters, add the onions with salt n turmeric powder..once they turns transculent add the tomatoes pieces n stir until they turns mushy, add the grounded paste to the veggies n stir them occasionally, keep them in simmer, cook until the oil gets separated..add the coriander leaves n curry leaves ..put off the stove..Let them cool..

Add enough tomato thokku to the already cooked rice, add enough salt if needed....prepare this rice before half an hour while serving...

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Paneer is a good source of calcium, which helps build strong bones and teeth, and also prevents osteoporosis. Cheese provides 25% of the calcium in the food supply.Paneer in moderation, is associated with lower body weight as well as reduced risk of developing insulin resistance syndrome. Paneer is a good source of protein and it reduces cancer risk.they can prevent stomach disorders and even help with your bones as you get older, especially in women, also helps in lower, back and joint pain. i prepared paneer at home for making kadai paneer, they were some leftover paneer laying in my fridge...i want to prepare them as something creamy sweet, so prepared them as pudding with rice, they turned out delicious.

Bell peppers are packed with several nutrients. They are a good source of vitamin C, thiamine, vitamin B6, beta carotene, and folic acid. Bell peppers also contain a large amount of phytochemicals that have exceptional antioxidant activity. When comparing the nutrient values of the different bell peppers, studies have shown that red bell peppers have significantly higher levels of nutrients than green. Red bell peppers also contain lycopene, which is a carotene that helps to protect against cancer and heart disease. Possibly due to their vitamin C and beta carotene content, bell peppers have been shown to be protective against cataracts.Eating celery will reduce high blood pressure and give the effect of calmness. Celery clears uric acid from painful joints and may help the treatment of arthritis and rheumatic problems.Celery also helps the kidney an acts an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant.Another benefit of celery is the fact that you can eat a lot of it without thinking much about your waistline. Celery actually has almost zero calorie. This soup tastes awesome,colourful, flavoursome also very easy...

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Who will say no to Pastas??...i love anything with pastas...pastas can be prepared as gratins, with any sorts of sauces, simply with ketchup r else as salads with any meats r with any vegetables..my version of dressing is with yoghurt, mayonnaise, olive oil n dry herbs...simple, quick, tasty n healthy also colourful to eyes...

Capsicum is a vegetable that comes in an exciting range of colors, like green, red and yellow. It is native to America and in fact, has been cultivated by the people of the tropical Americas since thousands of years. Known by a number of names, like chili pepper, bell pepper and red or green pepper, the vegetable is used as a spice, medicine and obviously, a vegetable. Apart from being great in taste, capsicum also holds a great degree of nutritional value and accords numerous health benefits to people..beneficial to the mucous membranes, eyes and skin ,helps wards off infection, promotes cardiovascular health, by helping lower blood pressure,has antioxidant properties that neutralize the free radicals responsible for damaging tissue and cells ,has anti-inflammatory properties,helps reduce cholesterol and effective in warding off strokes and heart attacks, speeds up the metabolism and helps burn more calories ,good for treating colds and fevers,stimulates stomach secretions and improves digestion ,lowers triglycerides, has a laxative effect, triggers the release of endorphins, good for diabetics..rich in vitamin A n C...i prepared pulao with this awesome vegetable, simple, tasty n flavoursome pulao...

Grind the grated coconut with 1cup of luke warm water n extract the coconut milk, continue once again n extract again the coconut milk, makes this milk as 4 cups by adding more water...wash thoroughly the basmati rice n cook them with coconut milk, 1tbsp of oil n with enough salt...keep aside n let them cool...

Meanwhile, heat oil with 1tsp of butter r ghee, add the whole spices n fry them until they turns brown, add the chopped onion with ginger garlic paste, stir them until the raw smells goes away, add the slit opened green chillies, garam masala, curry leaves n cook for a while..now add the capsicum pieces to the spices n stir them until the capsicum pieces turns bit tender, try to keep them crunchy else they will turn mushy..now add the already cooked coconut flavoured basmati rice to the spiced capsicum pieces, toss them gently n add salt if neede, garnish them with chopped coriander leaves...

Monday, November 17, 2008

One more healthy dish for everyone with handful of vegetables..i prepared this veggie rolls easily with carrots, cabbages,ragiflour,green peas..steamed them n served them with spicy chutney..they were tasty, healthy n good for diabetic people also for kids n adults..Am sending to JFI-Ragi hosted by Madhuram..

Heat 2tsp of oil in a kadai...add the mustard seeds, dry chilli pieces..fry them until they cracks..add the chopped onion with some salt, this helps the onion to turns transculent very easily...add now the mixed vegetable (i used grated carrots, shredded cabbage pieces, frozen green peas) to the onion n cook them with garam masala powder n salt, put off the stove once the vegetables turns bit tender.....Meanwhile dry roast the ragi flour separately in a pan for few minutes...

Add both ragi flour n spiced vegetables in a large bowl, sprinkle some water n knead them as dough...take small balls from the dough n roll them as rolls...heat the water in a idli cooker n arrange this ragi veggie rolls in the greased idli plate n steam cook them for 8-10 minutes...

Serve them hot as snacks r as breakfast with any choice of chutneys r any spicy gravies....

Broccoli was developed in Italy and is well established as one of the major anti-cancer foods. Broccoli contains indoles, which can help inactivate harmful estrogens that can promote the growth of tumors, sulforaphane, which stimulates cells to produce cancer-fighting enzymes, and beta-carotene, another cancer fighter...Broccoli contains some 3% of protein and is one of the richest vegetable sources of calcium, iron and magnesium. Moreover, broccoli is very rich in vitamins A and C, exceeding even oranges in the concentration of the latter.Broccoli can be eaten raw in salads or with dips, or it can be steamed and eaten as is, or served with a light nut, or similar sauce.One of the health benefits of carrots is well known that the carrot is rich in beta-carotene, which the body stores and converts to vitamin A as it is needed.Vitamin A deficiency leads to poor vision...the age-old parental advice concerning the benefits of carrots to good vision can be scientifically supported...i prepared this masala rice with carrots n broccoli easily with simpe ingredients...kids will love this surely...

Heat oil in a pan, add the bay leaves n fry them until they turns brown..add the chopped onion to the oil n stir them for a while until they turns transculent...add the chopped carrots to the onion n cook them until they turns a bit tender..add the redchilly powder, garam masala powder, pepper powder n cumin seed powder with enough salt to the onion n carrot pieces n stir them for a few minutes in simmer..add the broccoli pieces to the onion n spice powders..cook for a while until they turns tender..dont let them cook well..broccolis should be crunchy...

Now add the cooked rice to carrot, broccoli masala..toss everything well gently for a while until the spices get well mixed...add the chopped coriander leaves to the rice n serve hot with any choice of spicy side dishes..